Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a summer swoop to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners, is currently on loan with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille where he has made 27 appearances across all competitions.
Saliba is believed to be planning to return to the Emirates Stadium despite one previous report suggesting that he was open to making his loan move at Marseille permanent.
However, Sport reports that Real Madrid have been closely monitoring the Frenchman's development for some time and they have now added him to their shortlist ahead of next summer's transfer window.
The report adds that Saliba has a 'special link' with Los Blancos' primary target Kylian Mbappe, as they both grew up in the French commune of Bondy.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to integrate the youngster into his first-team plans next season, which would see the former Saint-Etienne man compete with Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes for a place in the starting lineup.
Oliver Thomas
